Irish Coleen Angelo Asin, MEcoH research student, and Yasutsugu Suzuki, CMES Office for International and Social Cooperation,  got to experience the Molecular Biology Society of Japan (MBSJ) annual meeting held from December 6 to 8 in Kobe, Japan. Navigating through diverse research topics in molecular virology and medical entomology, the scale of the annual event was immense to say the least.

​Highlights include presenting a collaborative study on insect-specific viruses, engaging with Japanese researchers, and gaining research inspiration. On Day 1, a poster session was held. The research presented by MEcoH focused on the replication kinetics and tissue tropism of three insect-specific viruses co-infecting a naturally infected laboratory colony of Aedes aegypti. This collaborative study involved Dr. Artem BaidaiIiuk and Dr. Etienne Simon-Loriere from the Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. This is a great opportunity to converse, learn, and exchange ideas with researchers from all over Japan. 

​Here are some highlights to showcase the lively academic atmosphere.

​"The Kobe International Conference Center is massive, but it is a fitting venue to host such big conferences like MBSJ. Strategizing on how to watch and attend all the sessions, posters, scientific pitches, and symposia that match your research interests is quite necessary because the conference covered several and diverse research topics. In my case, my research fields are molecular virology and medical entomology. Amongst the thousands of poster sessions and several talks per day, I was fortunate enough to listen, meet, and talk to people working on those research topics."

- Coleen

The experience, enriched by talks, poster sessions, and sponsor exhibitions, was made possible with the support of a travel grant. For that, we thank the support given by the Foundation of Pasteur Japan to our young scientists. 

We hope that these collaborations will continue and we hope that greater things would come out of it.

Dan Joseph Logronio, Phd student, presented his research poster on population genetics analysis of aquatic insects based on DNA metabarcoding sequences during the 6th Annual Meeting of The environmental DNA (eDNA) Society of Japan held in Kyushu University last December 2 to 5. 

​The conference started with an excursion on how to properly collect eDNA samples from various environments (e.g. marine, pond, river). 

​This was followed by poster sessions and series of symposia. The symposia include standardization of the environmental DNA sampling and experiment manual published by the society, environmental DNA analysis using non-water media, development of reference DNA databases essential for Environmental DNA surveys and contributing to a nature-positive world with environmental DNA. 

Would the role of eDNA in aquatic sampling expand further? Time will tell. But when that happens, we promise to be there to share it.

Recently, representatives from MEcoH had attended an important JSPS symposium in the Philippines. Here's a recollection of the event from MEcoH's very own secretary:

I, Saki Okazaki, the secretary of MEcoH had the opportunity to join the JSPS Core-to-Core Program Symposium "Mosquito-borne Disease Control from Ecological Approaches" that was held at View Park Hotel in Tagaytay, Philippines from November 30 to December 2, 2023!

I participated in this symposium from the preparatory stage and had a lot of communication with the local coordinator from De La Salle University (DLSU) and the hotel staff. 

It was very moving to see the symposium take shape through these stages.

There were participants from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan. 

On the second day, we had a lab tour at De La Salle University's Laguna campus.

Our former PhD student, Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal, now an associate professor at DLSU, showed us around the facility.

We were able to spend some time for sightseeing and visited the breathtaking Tar Lake in Tagaytay and the historical Intramuros of Manila.

We would like to thank the local coordinators, especially Ms. Jovie and Ms. Paula for materializing this symposium.

​I look forward to seeing you next time in Japan.

Atikah Fitria Muharromah, PhD student, had recently participated in the Open Medical Institute (OMI) seminar held in Institut Pasteur Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from November 12 to 16, 2023 to network with subject-matter experts on vector-borne diseases. 34 fellows from Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, South Korea, Indonesia, France, Hong Kong. 

Upon arriving in Vietnam late at night, Atikah was impressed by the warm reception and the bustling atmosphere at the arrival gate. Hailing from Indonesia, the weather reminded her of her home.

​The seminar, her inaugural OMI experience, commenced with a welcoming speech from Stephanie Faschang and the Director of Institut Pasteur Vietnam. while Professor Anna-Bella Failloux led the course, covering Vector-Borne Diseases in Asia. Atikah expressed her excitement, citing the relevance to her medical entomology field. 

Engaging discussions and a panel session on Dengue in Asia enriched the learning experience.

The subsequent days delved into diverse topics, including malaria, bioecology of sand flies, the Leishmania pathogen transmission, vaccine developments, and the emergence of vector-borne diseases. Atikah highlighted a memorable dinner where she enjoyed authentic Vietnamese cuisine with fellows from South Korea and Japan.

The concluding day featured discussions on animal reservoirs, social science, and modeling approaches in predicting disease emergence. Atikah actively participated in a round table session, sharing insights on predicting vector-borne disease emergences.

​Reflecting on the seminar, Atikah expressed gratitude, emphasizing the relevance of the content to her medical entomology expertise. She praised the speakers' expertise and acknowledged the friendly and humble OMI team. Building a network with participants from various countries added a valuable dimension to her experience.

Atikah's personal highlight was Professor Anna-Bella's insights into vector-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of understanding vectors and potential transmission cycles. Looking ahead, she plans to apply the knowledge gained in her role as a medical entomologist and when she becomes a university lecturer.

Meanwhile. there was a test at the end of the course, of which Atikah herself achieved the highest score among the participants and received an award for her academic excellence. Congratulations!

All in all, Atikah's participation in the OMI seminar was described as a transformative experience, providing her with valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and a renewed commitment to contribute to the elimination of vector-borne diseases. 
​

We here at MEcoH are proud of you Atikah! Thank you for building meaningful connections in your field and we hope the doors you have opened through the collective opportunities made here would lead to bigger and brighter things.

Joining MEcoH may seem like a life committed to building collaborative research in matters of molecular ecology and health... but did you know that we play softball too!? 

As a division under The Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), MEcoH members have a unique opportunity to participate in an annual friendly softball tournament held by the research center.  

​Anyone from CMES can join, from full-time professors to undergraduate students! Participants gathered at the Yamagoe Ground and had a great time batting and pitching from 8.45 am to 3.40 pm.

​This year's friendly softball tournament marked the lifting of CoV-2 restrictions after nearly 3 long years. So, you can feel the excitement in the air as the players gave their all!

This softball tournament is also a great venue to promote leadership, teamwork, and all-around good vibes. Importantly, members of MEcoH had the opportunity to plan and lead an event outside of research where our very own research student, Danyoshi Arata and Mosle played the role as the lead organizer and team captain respectively.

​This tournament helped nurture a stronger bond not just among professors and their respective research associates but between divisions within CMES. So, it is a rare opportunity for international researchers and students to immerse in a quintessential Japanese pastime. 

Here are some excerpts from MEcoH members sharing their experience on that eventful day:

私はCMES対抗ソフトボール大会の運営役を務めました。自分自身初めての大会だったのでうまく進行できるか不安でしたが、多くの人に楽しんでもらえたみたいで安心しました。また、この大会を通して研究室のメンバーとさらに仲が深まったと感じました。今年は2位だったので来年は優勝を目指したいと思います
I was in charge of organizing the CMES softball tournament. It was my first time participating in a tournament, so I was worried about whether it would go well, but I was relieved that so many people seemed to enjoy it. I also felt that I was able to deepen my relationships with the members of my laboratory through this competition. We came in second place this year, so I would like to aim for 1st place next year.
- 段吉新大 (Danyoshi Arata)

Transitioning from cricket to softball brought both excitement and challenges to my day while on the field. Unlike cricket, where I'm used to batting, softball presented a learning curve due to its distinct set of rules. Catching the ball with a glove instead of bare hands felt unfamiliar, and releasing the bat while sprinting to a base was a novel concept. However, embracing these differences made the experience all the more enjoyable. In the end, I had a fantastic time playing softball, and the thrill of the game made it a memorable and fun-filled adventure
- Shafi

このソフトボール大会を終えて、研究室室内での親交を深めることができたと感じてます。また、工学部以外の研究室と関わることができ非常にいい機会になったと思います。
After this softball tournament, I felt that I was able to deepen my friendships within the laboratory. I also think it was a great opportunity to get involved with a research lab outside of the Faculty of Engineering.
- 岡本拓⺒ (Okamoto Takumi)

In my unexpected softball adventure in Japan, I joined a friendly match between our MEcoH team and teams from four different labs under the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences. Despite my initial cluelessness about the game, my team patiently guided me through the rules. Softball, I discovered, is a unique and fascinating sport involving teamwork, communication, and coordination. As the game progressed, I learned the intricacies of catching, throwing, and positioning. The strong sense of community and teamwork struck me, and our team secured 2nd place, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for softball and a desire to continue exploring this dynamic sport.
- Mosle

As mentioned by Danyoshi Arata, MEcoH managed to snatch 2nd place!

Is like what they say: 

Teamwork makes the dream work.

If you have the opportunity to drop by around this time of the year, we here at MEcoH hope that you'll be able to join us next year either as a future participant or as a supporter.